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Thanks to their high rigidity, the massive forks are predestined for heavy enduro use, heavy riders and e-MTBs. Of course, there are also disadvantages. The weight increases with the weight of the material. The thick ZEB weighs around 300 grams more than the original Lyrik enduro fork. Now the US-Americans have introduced the favourable alternative to the ZEB - the Domain. Here, too, 38 mm stanchions provide suspension. However, for almost half the price(!). It weighs in at 2538 grams. So it weighs around 200 grams more than the expensive ZEB. We have already tested the 170-millimetre version on the trails of the Geißkopf bike park and ... were pleasantly surprised. The fork didn't get rattled by any bumps on our test track, gave the rider a lot of confidence and performed at a similar level to the Fox 38 from the competitor (which we also had with us). In addition, the Domain responds very sensitively - this is also confirmed by the characteristic curve from our test laboratory. In terms of braking and torsional rigidity, it even achieved top marks.
Crazy! So why invest around €500 more for the big brother ZEB? Because of a 234 gram weight saving? Despite all the euphoria, it remains to be seen whether the Domain shines in production bikes like our specimen sent by Rockshox Headquarters Germany(!). Enduro riders and Rockshox fans up to around 85kg should not lose sight of the Lyrik. After all, it weighs almost half a kilo less and the stiffness values are more than sufficient for riders in this weight class.
STRENGTHS: Inexpensive, stiff, DH performance, response behaviour
WEAKNESSESWeight
Weight (domain): 2538 gram
Price594 € >> e.g. available here
Info: rockshox.com
Conclusion on the Rockshox Domain 170 mm
Our test specimen was completely convincing. It performs at a similar level to the higher-priced models, is affordable and is the benchmark in terms of torsional and braking stiffness. Disadvantage: the high weight. (Suspension travel: 150, 160, 170, 180 mm - wheel size: 27.5" and 29", shock: Motion Control RC - available from July).
